Enhance Secondary Roads with Calcium Chloride

Table of Contents:

1. Introduction
2. The Importance of Gravel Road Maintenance
3. Factors to Consider in Gravel Road Maintenance 3.1 Road Stabilization 3.2 Binder Material 3.3 Surface Gravel Specification
4. Keeping Fines in the Road 4.1 Moisture Control 4.2 Using Calcium Chloride
5. Benefits of Calcium Chloride in Gravel Road Maintenance
6. Conclusion

The Importance of Gravel Road Maintenance

Gravel roads are an integral part of the transportation system in many states. However, maintaining these roads can be a challenging task for road supervisors. Unpaved roads often cause rough rides, unsafe driving conditions, and increased maintenance costs. To ensure the longevity and safety of gravel roads, a good maintenance program is essential.

Factors to Consider in Gravel Road Maintenance

3.1 Road Stabilization

Stabilizing the riding surface of gravel roads is the primary concern for road supervisors. Since gravel roads are generally traveled by fewer vehicles, mainly cars and light trucks, the sub-base or base is not a major concern. The focus is on keeping the surface compact and cohesive. A binder material, such as clay, is necessary to provide the road with cohesive strength.

3.2 Binder Material

Choosing the right binder material is crucial for maintaining a good gravel road. Clay is considered the best binder soil as it forms a ball or cigar shape when moistened and rolled. A good binder soil should pass through a quarter-inch sieve and have a gritty texture. Too much sand will cause the road to fall apart, while excessive clay can make the road mushy and slick in heavy rain. Finding the optimal blend is essential for road durability and stability.

3.3 Surface Gravel Specification

The specification of the surface gravel plays a vital role in maintaining a stable road. An ideal surface gravel consists of aggregate in which a certain percentage passes through different sieve sizes. This grading helps create a dense, interlocking surface that provides a smooth ride. The fines, or dust, in the surface gravel act as the binder that holds the road together. Sufficient fines are required to fill the voids between the larger aggregate sizes.

Keeping Fines in the Road

Preventing the loss of fines is crucial to maintaining a stable gravel road. If the fines are not properly retained, the road becomes hazardous to drive and requires frequent maintenance. The key to retaining fines lies in keeping the road moist.

4.1 Moisture Control

Moisture control is essential in preventing the dusting and degradation of gravel roads. While too much water can saturate the road surface, proper moisture levels are necessary to maintain cohesion and prevent fines from becoming airborne dust. Proper drainage, crowning, and directing excess water to the ditches are important considerations in moisture control.

4.2 Using Calcium Chloride

Calcium chloride is a widely-used agent for treating gravel roads. It comes in both liquid and dry forms and is known for its hygroscopic and deliquescent properties. When applied to a secondary road, calcium chloride draws moisture from the air and keeps the fines moist, which ensures their cohesion and compaction. By applying calcium chloride, the road supervisor can reduce dust, improve road quality, and increase aggregate density.

Benefits of Calcium Chloride in Gravel Road Maintenance

Using calcium chloride in gravel road maintenance programs offers several advantages:

1. Reduced Dust: Calcium chloride reduces dust on gravel roads, improving driver visibility and creating a safer driving environment.

2. Improved Road Quality: By consolidating the road surface, calcium chloride helps prevent washboarding and allows for proper drainage, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable ride for motorists.

3. Reduced Aggregate Loss: The use of calcium chloride helps bind the fines and aggregate together, reducing the loss of aggregate and ensuring better road durability. This leads to cost savings in terms of less frequent grading and maintenance.

4. Increased Density: Calcium chloride has a higher surface tension than water, which helps lubricate the aggregate and increase compaction. This results in a more dense road surface.

5. Stable Base for Future Paving: Calcium chloride treatment creates a compacted and stable road base, which is beneficial for future paving projects. A stable base can reduce the required pavement thickness and preparation, leading to cost savings in paving.

In conclusion, maintaining gravel roads is a vital task for road supervisors. By implementing a comprehensive gravel road maintenance program that includes the use of calcium chloride, road supervisors can reduce dust, improve road quality, and save costs in the long run. Proper gravel road maintenance ensures safer and more enjoyable driving experiences for motorists while maximizing the lifespan of the road infrastructure.

Highlights:

• Gravel road maintenance is crucial for ensuring safer driving conditions and reducing maintenance costs.
• The road stabilization and choice of binder materials are key considerations in maintaining a stable gravel road.
• Calcium chloride, as a moisture control agent, plays a significant role in retaining fines and improving road quality.
• Using calcium chloride in gravel road maintenance offers benefits such as reduced dust, improved road quality, and increased density.
• A stable road base created by calcium chloride treatment can save costs in future paving projects.

FAQ:

Q: How does calcium chloride help in maintaining gravel roads? A: Calcium chloride draws moisture from the air and keeps fines moist, preventing dusting and maintaining the cohesion of the road.

Q: What are the benefits of using calcium chloride in gravel road maintenance? A: Using calcium chloride reduces dust, improves road quality, reduces aggregate loss, increases density, and provides a stable base for future paving.

Q: Can excessive water be used to control moisture in gravel roads? A: Excessive water can saturate the road surface and cause issues. Proper moisture control is necessary to maintain optimal road conditions.

Q: How does calcium chloride compare to water in controlling moisture? A: Calcium chloride retains moisture at optimal levels, maintaining road stability, while water evaporates, leading to dry conditions and dusting.

Q: Does using calcium chloride in gravel road maintenance save costs? A: Yes, using calcium chloride reduces the need for frequent grading, lowers maintenance costs, and can result in savings in future paving projects.